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Rotary Rising Leaders

The Rotary Club of San Antonio has nearly 100 young members, and the Rotary Rising Leaders program brings together young professionals who are new to the club to serve, grow, and lead through a focused cohort-based leadership program.

What is Rotary Rising Leaders

The Rotary Club of San Antonio is one of the few clubs internationally that has a dedicated affinity group whose purpose and mission is to recruit, retain, and invest in the next generation of Rotarians and service leaders. The Young Members Board (YMB) is the governing body that oversees the Rotary Rising Leaders Cohort and organizes programs and events for the club's young members. Whether you're looking to make an impact, grow as a leader, or connect with like-minded professionals, Rotary Rising Leaders offers the opportunities and support to help you thrive.

Join us in building a stronger community through service, leadership, and connection.

How it Works

The Rotary Rising Leaders Cohort is an optional 10 month, cohort-based program designed to help immerse new members (who are eligible) in service, leadership, and club engagement. Below is a step-by-step look at what you can expect.

Get Started

If you qualify for the RRL Cohort, once you join the Rotary Club of San Antonio, our Executive Director, Anne Swift, or a YMB board member will connect with you to share more about the RRL Cohort and answer any questions.

Engage, Serve, & Grow

The RRL Cohort kicks off each fall and runs through late spring of each year. New Cohort members will either be welcomed to join the existing Cohort or invited to participate the following year.

Celebrate the Journey

In May, we'll honor everything your Cohort has accomplished with a graduation celebration. It's more than just a ceremony—it's a time to reflect on your impact, growth, and the relationships you've built along the way.

Lead the Way

Graduation isn't the end—it's the start of your continued impact with Rotary. As a RRL Cohort alum, you'll have the opportunity to join the Young Members Board to help guide future cohorts and lead other young professionals in service across San Antonio.

Program Structure

DURATION: 10 months

ACTIVITIES: Attend monthly RRL Cohort events and participate in community service projects. Collaborate with your Cohort to plan and execute a capstone service project in the community.

COMMITMENT: Actively participate in the monthly RRL Cohort program, volunteer at the Valero Texas Open (VTO), and be involved in the capstone service project.

Rising Leaders volunteering at the Valero Texas Open

Cohort Benefits

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Gain hands-on experience leading service projects and initiatives

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING: Connect with like-minded professionals and established community leaders

MENTORSHIP & GUIDANCE: Learn from experienced Rotary members and industry experts

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Contribute to meaningful projects that create lasting change

Rising Leaders gathered at the San Antonio Museum of Art

2025-2026 Young Members Board

The Young Members Board (YMB) is a group of young Rotarians who have participated in past Rotary Rising Leader cohorts and have assumed leadership roles within Rotary and the wider San Antono community. The YMB is responsible for developing strategies and programs to engage and recruit young professionals to become Rotarians and future leaders. The YMB president also serves on the Rotary Club’s governing board, ensuring that young professionals have a voice in shaping the future of the club.

  • Buddy Parsons
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    Buddy Parsons

    President

  • Nick Warrington
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    Nick Warrington

    Vice President

  • Reed Clemons
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    Reed Clemons

    Secretary

  • Armen Babajanian
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    Armen Babajanian

    RCSA Board Liaison

  • Shelby Payne-Drayton
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    Shelby Payne-Drayton

    Programming Chairperson

  • Brisa Gonzales
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    Brisa Gonzales

    Service Chairperson

  • Emma Faye Rudkin
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    Emma Faye Rudkin

    Director - Advisory

  • Matt Johnson
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    Matt Johnson

    Advisory Director

  • Addyson Brooks
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    Addyson Brooks

    Director

  • Brady Haag
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    Brady Haag

    Director

  • David Hollingsworth
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    David Hollingsworth

    Director

  • Brady Jenkins
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    Brady Jenkins

    Director

  • Austin Lane
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    Austin Lane

    Director

  • Michael Loredo
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    Michael Loredo

    Director

  • Sam Selig
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    Sam Selig

    Director

  • Cindy Urshan
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    Cindy Urshan

    Director

  • Lia Payne-Drayton
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    Lia Payne-Drayton

    Advisor

  • Dave Schoepf
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    Dave Schoepf

    Advisor